Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
308. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures his Department is taking to improve recreational facilities and services for young people in County Westmeath. [43358/23]
View answerMy Department operates the Play and Recreation Capital grant scheme, which provides funding, via Local Authorities, to support the development of new recreation facilities for children and young people. The scheme also funds the refurbishment of existing play and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.
The criteria for the scheme were developed in partnership with the Local Authority Play and Recreation Network, established to bring a focus on play and recreation within each local authority. Grants are for the development of new play facilities, the refurbishment of existing playgrounds and/or the incorporation of natural play areas.
For each project, 25% of the awarded amount must be provided by the Local Authority. Facilities and equipment funded must be accessible to children and young people of all abilities, as far as possible.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and all projects funded under the scheme must provide evidence that children and young people living locally who will have access to the facility have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
All spaces and facilities for which funding is granted must be available for use by all children and young people in the locality at times when they are free to use them, including outside of school hours.
From 2017 to 2023, Westmeath County Council has been the recipient of €111,207, provided by my Department through this fund for the development and renovation of children’s playgrounds.
Children’s playgrounds and play areas should be places of fun and activity for all children to enjoy, so that every child can experience the joy and excitement that comes with playing outdoors.
